The Government plans to put science, technology and innovation at the centre of Ireland's jobs policies, the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation declared.
Excellence in science will be crucial to achieving economic growth and getting people back to work, Richard Bruton said.
Mr Bruton was speaking in Dublin today at the launch of an invitation for people to become directly involved in the year-long celebrations planned during Dublin City of Science 2012. The organisers are accepting proposals for possible inclusion in the programme of events to take place during the year.
"Rebuilding Ireland's international reputation for excellence in science and technology will be crucial to achieving growth and getting people back to work," Mr Bruton said. He was currently developing a plan to put research and innovation at the centre of the Government's wider jobs creation policies, he said.
The Dublin City of Science 2012 event includes a series of science-linked events that will run throughout the year. Its centre-piece will be the EuroScience Open Forum, to take place in the Convention Centre Dublin from 11-15th July 2012.
The forum "offers a perfect opportunity to show the world what we can do" in terms of research and scientific discovery, the minister said.
The call for proposals for inclusion in the programme remains open until June 30th, 2011. The object is to find events that will creatively engage with science and the public. Proposals across any discipline will be considered, said Mr David Fahy, project director for Dublin City of Science 2012.
"I would urge those with an interest in science and technology and their impact on art, literature, music, sport, communities, the economy, society in general to submit proposals," he said.
While Dublin was designated the location for the Forum's 2012 meeting, "it is central to us that a programme is developed that stretches to include the whole island of Ireland", Mr Fahy said.